Storytelling

Spending time reading books with my children is such a special part of our day. But sometimes before bed or when in the car, my children will ask me to tell them or make up a story. Sometimes, I do just have to tell them by brain is not able to come up with a story right now, and invite them to tell me a story or offer to read a book (when I am able). A few ideas that have helped me feel more prepared when the inevitable storytelling request is asked are:

1) Write out a few prompts in your spare time so you have something to start with on hand.
2) Memorize short stories or tell ones from your childhood

3) Ask your kids for some of the details and make up a story with that
4) Trade off parts of the story with your kid to help find inspiration and feed off each other

Do you have any favorite stories you tell you children or tips and tricks for making them up on the fly?